Microsoft is making it harder for users to set up a new Windows 11 device without an internet-connected Microsoft account.
In its latest Windows 11 Insider Preview, the company has removed a well-known workaround that allowed users to bypass this requirement during setup.
Previously, users could skip the online account login by using the “bypassnro” command. This was useful for those who preferred local accounts, were setting up devices for businesses, or simply didn’t want to link their computer to Microsoft. However, Microsoft is shutting this down, citing security and user experience improvements.
Microsoft says the change ensures that every Windows 11 user completes the setup with an internet connection and a Microsoft account. The removal of the bypass command is already in the latest beta version, meaning it will likely roll out to all users soon.
For now, there’s still a temporary workaround. Users can open a command prompt during setup (by pressing Shift + F10) and enter a registry edit command to re-enable the bypass. However, Microsoft may close this loophole as well. IT professionals setting up multiple devices can still use other more complex methods, like automation scripts.
This is part of a broader push by Microsoft to encourage Windows 11 adoption while phasing out Windows 10, which loses official support in October. The company has also made it harder to install Windows 11 on older PCs lacking TPM 2.0 and has been pushing full-screen ads urging users to buy new devices. Additionally, Microsoft has stopped allowing Windows 11 installations with old product keys, making upgrades even more restrictive.
